VOX POPULI - Gordon Creative

Sometimes the voice of the people struggles to be heard.

Dystopias don’t just happen overnight. There are steps along the way where, bit by bit, freedoms are eroded and people gradually begin to lose their say.

Vox Populi, written by Chris Gordon, directed by Anthony Lewis and presented by Mulwaree Amateur Dramatics Theatre Company, made its world premiere at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre from 16 July to 18 July 2026. The play is a political fable and cautionary tale about a world not so different from our own in which a mix of polarised and demonised political division and unquestioning populism lead to a budding dictatorship.

The story starts in the last week of an election campaign where the forces of woke are lined up against conservatism and getting things back to how they used to be. Luca Zellig had been elected the youngest prime minister in the country’s history on a wave of social media support and an appetite for change. Her government’s fast-paced program of changes, however, proved to much for the people to absorb and now the mood of the people has switched to an offer to take things back to how they used to be.

Following an ugly campaign, the second act shows the beginning of the descent into authoritarianism as we see just how quickly freedoms can be surrendered and how much a country can change in just a year.

While reaffirming that both conservative and progressive politics and philosophies are fine, and even necessary in a balanced political diet, the play looks at the potential explosiveness of amped up binary politics, the demonising of those who disagree, the role of political parties and the media and how, little by little, the Voice of the People can get harder and harder to hear.

It is a contemporary, confrontational and thought-provoking essay on power, politics and populism with an emotional kick. It contains strong language and depictions of violence and is bound to generate discussion.

Vox Populi is available for hire: contact chris@gordoncreative.online.

Some reader and audience reactions:

“… a razor-sharp political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… every act has a new twist.”

Brenda Proudman, CADS.

“Vox Populi is the most confronting political play I’ve ever read – powerful, thought-provoking and timely.”

Councillor Liz McKeon.

“A well-written show Chris , with lots of interesting and surprising twists. Thought-provoking in the extreme. Some of the political characters and discussions gave me a good laugh, whilst a few scenes brought me to tears and despair.”

Councillor Nina Dillon, Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

“… a masterful exploration of current politics and abuse of power, set in a time and place not dissimilar from our own. It’s a meaty piece of theatre seasoned actors will want to sink their teeth into that is sure to leave audiences stunned and questioning.”

Sarah Trama, writer, actor, director.

“It was really fab. You really have pulled off a modern masterpiece – and took it into places where we are not quite there, but which are not inconceivable, and which we know (as history shows us) can happen.”

Louise Clegg, Barrister and wife of Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.

“This play captures the brutal reality of the state of world politics today and how quickly and dangerously populism transforms into dictatorship.”

Dr Ursula Stephens, former Australian Senator.

“I’m afraid you might have been too close to the bone for thinking people. We are so close to this type of outcome people don’t realise it. Like the frog gradually being boiled, there is a tipping point and I’m afraid we’re getting there.”

Bob Stephens, ALP stalwart and former local candidate.

“Wonderful, powerful play. Congrats to all involved.”

Linda MB.

“This was ridiculously gripping. Had zero information going in and my partner and I can’t stop talking about it.”

Lucy Carpenter.

“It was absolutely incredible! The best live show I’ve seen in a long time.”

Fiona Harris.

“Watched it last night. Wow the Second Act was full on. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Mick Palmer.

“A brilliant, dark and edgy play. If you are looking for a light-hearted rom-com type of show this aint it. Well-written, high drama brought to life by some great actors. Amazing that they are all amateurs. The fact that they pulled of such a great show is testament to all the cast and crew.”

Ben Foley.

“Congrats on a brilliant play, Gordo. That’s no small feat bringing an idea to the stage.”

Louise Thrower.

“I loved the show. Well done Chris and everyone involved.”

Rose Bell.

“I found the play very confronting but kept my friends and I totally gripped. There was even a tear at one point. I even woke up thinking about it so I think that’s a job well done.”

Helen Evans.

“Congratulations. Your work and the production was truly amazing, the cast were brilliant and the theatre was a great venue for Vox Pop. I am one of many who went to the theatre not knowing what to expect and walked out totally impacted by the realities of what can occur.”

Jennie Gordon.

“Congratulations on writing a thought-provoking and impactful play. The dedication and commitment it takes to bring your dreams and ambitions to fruition is inspiring. The cast were amazing, and the antagonist was truly unlikeable. Well done Chris, and well done cast and crew.”

Kirstin Beerworth.

“Congratulations to the very talented cast, writer and director. It was incredible to watch.”

Sue Latta.